A young Co Down woman has paid tribute to the "amazing" foster parents who welcomed her into their family and turned her life around.

Chelsea Duncan is highlighting the powerful impact foster care can have on children's lives - as the struggle continues to find enough foster parents in Northern Ireland.

Chelsea, now 20, was first placed into foster care at the age of just two-and-a-half. It was an understandably difficult time. Eight years on, and with another move on the horizon, this trauma intensified.

This is when Foster Care Associates (FCA) stepped in. Caesar and Lorna Doyle, FCA registered foster carers, were approached to foster Chelsea and the answer was an immediate yes. With 14 years fostering experience, the Doyles, along with their older son, welcomed them into their Saintfield home, where Chelsea remained for the next eight years.

“I have so many lovely memories of my time with Caesar and Lorna," said Chelsea. "I was always made to feel as though I was part of their family which is priceless.

"Their son was like a big brother to me and every Sunday we would have their grandchildren round for Sunday dinner. My foster dad was a fantastic cook and I still miss his home cooked meals. And every year we went to Spain where they had a villa. They were very happy times.”

Settling into village life, Chelsea attended youth clubs and local church events where she made new friends and enjoyed hobbies such as swimming and cycling. But it’s the times she spent with Caesar and Lorna she recalls the most.

One of her overriding memories was when her foster parents came to see her at an awards evening she was attending at her local college.

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“I was over the moon they came because they were so proud of me," she said. "It was such a lovely moment.”

The future looks bright for Chelsea. At the age of 18 she moved into semi-independent accommodation and now works in a restaurant in Belfast.

“Even after I moved out at the age of 18, I knew they would be there for me," she said. "They've recently helped me move and I spent Christmas with them. I know I can call on them for absolutely anything.”

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Summing up her experience in foster care, Chelsea said: “Caesar and Lorna were amazing. Their love and support helped prepare me to become a kind, considerate and responsible adult and for this I will always be extremely grateful.

“My experiences in care have been good ones. I was lucky to have wonderful carers and have met some great people. I have become a mature and responsible young woman and I thank Caesar and Lorna for that."

Set up by a former foster carer and social worker more than 20 years ago, Foster Care Associates has operated in Northern Ireland for 14 years and has grown to become the largest independent fostering agency in the UK. There is currently a shortage of approximately 200 foster carers in Northern Ireland.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA, or to find out about recruitment events in the region, call 0800 022 4330 or visit their website .